STUDENTS have the opportunity to gain a new international qualification offered on Teesside for the first time.

Prior Pursglove College, in Guisborough, has been given the go-ahead to launch the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

The diploma, is an alternative to A-levels, covers a wide range of subjects and is internationally recognised.

Students will be able to sign up from September and will be able to study six subjects - English language and literature, foreign languages, individuals and societies (history, psychology), a science, maths, and visual arts.

The aim of the International Baccalaureate “is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.”

Barbara Tailby, director of curriculum at the college, said the aims were the same as the college has for its students.

She added: “We are very happy to have been chosen to deliver the International Baccalaureate because it allows us to give greater choice to the young people of the borough.

Students have already expressed interest in doing the International Baccalaureate.

Among them is Laurence Jackson School pupil Dot Longley-Cook, 15, from Guisborough.

She said: “I’d really love to do it. I think its great for people who have broad interests and I’m really excited about the international side of it.”